RAIL unions have called off plans for its member to strike this weekend and next week.

The RMT has suspended planned industrial action on Saturday, Monday and Wednesday (November 5, 7 and 9) after securing "intensive negotiations" with rail bosses.

A spokesperson for the union said it will now enter into "a period of intensive negotiations with Network Rail and the train operating companies".

They added: "Through a strong industrial campaign so far, RMT has secured unconditional talks on Network Rail and the promise of an offer from the train operating companies who up until this point, have made no offer of any kind to our members.

"Originally Network Rail had declared discussions and consultations closed and was intent on imposing changes to maintenance without agreement with RMT.

"They have now rowed back and will continue discussions on the basis that 'nothing is agreed until everything is agreed'."

But the RMT warns that "the current dispute remains very much live" and it is continuing its re-ballot of members to secure a fresh mandate for action with the result due on Tuesday, November 15.

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: “The threat of strike action and our strongly supported industrial campaign has made the rail employers see sense.

“We have always wanted to secure a negotiated settlement and that is what we will continue to push for in this next phase of intensive talks.

“Our priority is our members, and we are working towards securing a deal on job security, a decent pay rise and good working conditions.

“The re-ballot remains live and if we have to take strike action during the next 6 months to secure a deal, we will.”